A REMEMBRANCE ceremony planned and led by schoolchildren was described as “poignant and special” by parents.

Years 2 and 6 pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, in Newton Aycliffe, welcomed two soldiers, a bugler and bagpiper from Catterick Garrison and Father Tony Cornforth for the service.

The two year groups had joined forces to come up with and perform the liturgy in front of the whole school plus a “huge turnout” of parents on Thursday.

Teacher Joanne Wills said: “It was absolutely lovely. They all came together and there were a few tears.

"It was lovely to share the experience with parents and give the children enrichment.

“It was all of ours and our visitors’ time to remember the fallen - taking the time to think about other people and be thankful.

“The parents said it was so poignant and special.”

Pupils in Year 2 were visited by the soldiers from Catterick Garrison earlier this week when they learned about Remembrance Day and got the chance to inspect ration boxes and try on uniforms while Year 6 pupils have been learning about the First World War.